How digital transformation is making the CIO job role change ‘significantly’

More than half of respondents polled by the Cloud Industry Forum say their role has changed ‘significantly’ as a direct result of digital transformation.

The study, conducted alongside hybrid IT services provider Ensono, polled 200 UK IT and business decision makers. 56% said their role had significantly changed, with 51% saying their responsibilities has increased and 47% adding they were under greater pressure to deliver. This is more likely with the IT side of the house, the research adds, with business decision makers generally having more freedom to innovate.

The research also delved into the various requirements needed to improve as seen by the IT team. Not surprisingly, technical skills were seen as the most important skill needed for success in digital transformation, cited by 75% of those polled. Problem solving (54%) came a relatively distant second, but still ahead of management (51%), negotiation (46%) and communication skills (45%).

Even though job roles are undergoing significant change, it is not enough to cope with the demands of digital transformation. An overwhelming 92% of respondents said their organisation did not have all of the skills they needed to meet demands. Just under half (48%) said they required more technical expertise, while a similar number (44%) said there was a need for greater improvement in team working skills. 35% identified deficits in communication and creative skills respectively.

The research also delved into the various requirements needed to improve as seen by the IT team. Not surprisingly, technical skills were seen as the most important skill needed for success in digital transformation, cited by 75% of those polled. Problem solving (54%) came a relatively distant second, but still ahead of management (51%), negotiation (46%) and communication skills (45%).

This point is particularly interesting, the research argues – as the CIO needs to bridge the gap between business and IT, it shows an already-existing gap.

“To be successful in their roles and ensure their continued relevance, CIOs must act as ambassadors between the IT department and the business to smooth over these differing perspectives and ensure that all parties are fully aligned in their expectations and visions,” said Simon Ratcliffe, principal consultant at Ensono.

“At a time when IT is still often a reporting line to finance and few CIOs have a seat on the board, it is critical that they can influence the business in general by displaying a clear and coherent vision for their organisation’s digital transformation,” Ratcliffe added. “Without this executive sponsorship, they will struggle to secure the budget, support and interdepartmental collaboration they need for successful transformation.”

These are by no means the first figures to come out of this study. Previous research, issued last month, argued that KPIs were not aligning with objectives on digital transformation projects.